Coin-controlled beverage dispensing apparatus



Feb. 3, 1953 E. J. 51'. LAURENCE 2,627,369

COIN-CONTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet l E. J. ST. LAURENCE COIN-CONTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Feb. 3, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 15, 1949 fw/ezzzr Ermi rZ/JZ, lad/m Aiwzw Feb. 3, 1953 1;. J. s'r. LAURENCE CONTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS COIN- Filed Oct. 15 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Feb. 3, 1953 J. s16. LAURENCE COIN CQNTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4' Feb. 3, 1953 E. J. ST. LAURENCE 2,627,369

COIN-CONTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 15 1949 II If Feb. 3, 1953 E. J. sT. LAURENCE 2,627,369

COIN-CONTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 15, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Feb. 3, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COIN-CONTROLLED BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS 4 Claims.

My invention relates generally to dispensing machines and, more specifically, to coin-controlled vending machines which dispense drink liquid in bulk to the user.

An important object of my invention is the provision of safety mechanism cooperating with the motor-driven liquid dispensing means for automatically shutting 01f the flow of liquid from the cooling tank upon interruption of operation of the motor, until another period of operation has been initiated.

A further important object of my invention is the provision of means for resetting said safety mechanism upon initiation of a new cycle of operation of the dispenser mechanism.

Other highly important objects and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following detailed specification, appended claims and attacheddrawings.

Other important features of the machine illustrated herein form the subject matter of my pending application, Serial No. 296,965, filed by me on July 2, 1952, as a division of this application.

Referring to the drawings, in which like characters indicate like parts throughout the several views:

Fig. 1 is a View in front elevation of a drink dispenser built in accordance with my invention, some parts being broken away;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1, some parts being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section taken substantially on the line 33 of Fig. l, on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 4 is a detail in horizontal section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of the cup and drink liquid dispensing mechanism of my device, on an enlarged scale, the parts thereof disposed in an inoperative position;

Fig. 6 is a detail in front elevation corresponding to a portion of Fig. 5, but showing an ad- -Vance in movement of the cup-dispensing linkage;

j; Fig. 7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6, but

showing the cup-dispensing mechanism in an extreme advanced position, and a portion of the @drink-dispensing linkage beginning an advance movement;

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6, but

showing the drink-dispensing linkage in a further showing the drink liquid dispensing linkage moved to its extreme advanced position;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary detail partly in side elevation and partly in section taken substantially on the line Ill-40 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary detail partly in hori zontal section and partly in plan taken substantially on the line lI-Il of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a detail in horizontal section taken substantially on the line I2-l2 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 13 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line I3-|3 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is a View in perspective of cam and pusher finger means embodied in the dispensing linkage of my improved machine;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary section taken substantially on the line l5l5 of Fig. 1%;

Fig. 16 is a wiring diagram of the electrical and refrigerating circuits of my dispenser; and

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic view of one of the controls of the refrigerating system of my invention.

Referring with greater particularly to the drawings, the numeral l indicates a dispenser housing containing at its intermediate portion a drink liquid or beverage cooling tank 2. The tank 2 is generally rectangular in form and comprises spaced inner and outer side wall elements 3 and 4, respectively, spaced inner and outer bottom wall elements 5 and 6, respectively, and a top wall 1. The top Wall I may be assumed to have the same double wall construction as the side and bottom walls, the space between the inner and outer walls of the bottom, sides and top of the tnak being filled with suitable insulation 8, see particularly Figs. 2 and 3. The top wall I of the cooling tank 2 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced openings for the reception of the necks of a pair of storage flasks or the like 9 which are mounted in an inverted position on the tank 2. As shown, the necks of the flasks or bottles 9 rest upon rubber-like grommets l0 interposed therebetween and the openings in the top 11 of the tank 2. The flasks 9 contain. identical drink liquids which may be in the nature of fruit juices, fruit ades and the like. The tank 2 is provided at its lower front side with an outlet l I connectin the interior of the tank 2 with a dispensing valve l2. The valve I2 comprises a valve member I3 biased toward a valve closed position by a coil compression spring M. A valve-operating lever I5 is pivoted intermediate its ends to the the valve l2, as indicated at I6, and has one of its ends engageable with the outer projected end I! of the valve member l3 to unseat the same against the base of the spring I4.

I provide means for cooling the drink liquid in the tank 2 and maintaining the same at a substantially constant temperature, said means being in the nature of a mechanical refrigerating system comprising a refrigerant evaporator [3, a refrigerant pump 19, a refrigerant condenser 23 and a storage tank 2!. The evaporator 53 consists of metallic tubing 22 coiled about the exterior of the inner side walls 3 of the tank 2. The tubes 22 of the evaporator 18 are connected to the pump I9 by a conduit 23 in which is interposed a check valve 24. The condenser 23 is interposed in the conduit 23 between the pump it and the storage tank 2|. A conduit extends from the storage tank 2| to the evaporator tubes 22 on the opposite side of the evaporator it from the conduit 23 and a conventional expansion valve 29 is interposed in the conduit 25 adjacent the evaporator l8. The pump [9 is driven by an electric motor 2'1. It will be noted that the refrigerating system thus far described is conventional in nature and it may be assumed that the pump 19, condenser 213, tank 2| and the valves 24 and 26 are contained in the bottom portion of the housing 1.

Means for controlling the refrigerating mechanism includes a thermostatelement 28 extending upwardly through the bottom wall of the tank 2 in predetermined spaced relation to one of the inner side walls 3, and control apparatus contained within a housing 29. and shown diagrammatically in Fig. 17. The control apparatus comprises a, pair of pressure-operated bellows 30 and 3|, the former of which is connected to the thermostat element 28 by a tube 32. The bellows 30, tube 32 and thermostat element 23 are gasfilled, the bellows 30 being expanded or contracted by changes in pressure caused by expansion and contraction of gas within the thermostat element 28. The bellows 3| are connected to the conduit 23 between the evaporator I8 and the check valve 24 by a tube 33, and is responsive to changes in pressure in the evaporator l8 to expand and con tract. a lever arm 34 which is pivoted at 35 to a bracket 36 in the housing 29. A lever 31 is pivoted intermediate its ends to the lever arm as indicated at 38, and has one end connected to a toggle switch 39 by a coil tension spring 43. The opposite end of the lever 31 engages a lever arm 4! pivoted to a portion of thehousing 29 as at 42, and engageable with the thermostat bellows 3c. Coil compression springs 43 and 44, respectively, exert yielding bias on the lever arms 3! and 34 toward their respective bellows 30 and 3!. The lever arm 34 extends laterally beyond the pivot 35 and is formed to provide a hook 45, which overlies and is adapted to engage the lever 31 between its pivot 33 and the end thereof coupled to the spring A'st'op bracket 46 limits movements of the lever arms 4! and 34.

It will be seen by reference to Figs. 16 and 17 that the motor 21 is connected to a source of power, suchlas a power linev ll! by a lead 43 extending from the motor 2'! to a power lead to A lead 50 extends from the opposite power lead 5! to a terminal 52 on the switch 39., and a third lead 53 extends from the motor 2? to a second terminal 54 from. the switch 39. The bellows 31 is responsiveto an increase of pressure in the evaporator I8 to move the lever arm 34 against bias of the spring 44 and cause the hook 45 to The bellows 3| is adapted to work against engage the lever 31 and move the same in a direction to close the switch 39. Closing of the switch as will energize the motor 27 and initiate operation of the pump is whereby to evacuate the evaporator i8 and permit the refrigerant to be discharged thereinto through the expansion valve 25. The switch 39 is conventional in nature, the spring so thereof moving beyond dead center of the toggle-acting arm 39' in a direction to close the switch 39. When the liquid, indicated by the character X in the tank 2, is cooled to a predetermined degree, resultant cooling of the gas within the thermostat element 23 causes the bellows to to contract and allow the spring 43 to move the lever arm l! in the direction of the bellows 3t. Bias of a coil tension spring 55 moves the lever 31 at one end in the direction of the lever arm 41 and at its opposite end in the opposite direction whereby to move the spring 40 beyond dead center of the toggle arm 39 in a direction to open the switch 39 and terminate the pumping operation. From the above, it will b noted that operation of the compressor i9 is initiated only by a rise in pressure of the fluid refrigerant within the cooling coils 22 of the evaporator ic, and that operation thereof is terminated only by action of the thermostat element 28 and cooperating bellows. 35. A drop in pressure in the coils 22 and the bellows 3i merely causes the hook portion 45 to move away from the lever 3? until the lever arm 34 engages the stop bracket thus preventing said pressure drop from terminating operation of the compressor. On the other hand, engagement of the lever arm 4| with the stop bracket 43, due to a rise in temperature of the drink liquid and subsequent expansion of the bellows 36, prevents closing of the switch 39 and consequent operation of the compressor [9.

To maintain a substantially constant temperature of the drink liquid X in the cooling tank 2, I provide for the formation of a wall or bank of ice Y between the thermostat element 28 and the adjacent innerrside wall 3. Operation of the refrigerating mechanism cools theldrink liquid in the tank to a point where ice Y begins to form on the inner side walls 3 adjacent the cooling coils 22. This bank of ice thickens laterally inwardly from the side walls 3 until the temperature thereof causes the thermostat element 28 to terminate operation of the compressor i9. During the idle period of the compressor 19, heat from the exterior slowly seeps inwardly through the outer side walls 4 of the tank 2 and the insulation 8 therein to cause expansion and a resultant rise in pressure of the refrigerant fluid within the tubes 22 and the bellows 3 I. When this pres! sure reaches a predetermined degree, expansion of the bellows 3! against bias of the spring 44 will cause the switch 39 to be closed and a new refrigerating cycle to be initiated thereby.

I provide an agitator for keeping the drink liquid in circulation during the refrigerating cycle as well asduring the dispensing operations of the machine. Said agitator comprises an electric motor 55 rigidly mounted on the top wall I of the cooling tank 2, an elongated motor shaft 51 extending angularly downwardly into the in.- terior of the tank, and agitator blades 58 at the lower end of the shaft 51 adjacent the bottom of the tank 2. The agitator motor is adapted to be energized for operation simultaneously with the compressor l9 and during the drink-dispensing periods, by connections hereinafter to be described. Agitation of the liquid X helps to maintain an ice bank Y of uniform thickness throughout its area, and further serves to keep any small fruit particles in suspension in the drink liquid during the dispensing thereof.

A pair of like cup dispensers 59 and 68 are mounted in side by side relationship in the housing 1, and each comprises a tubular magazine 6| and a dispensing head 62. The dispensing heads 62 are mounted on a shelf-like support 63 which, at its rear end, is welded or otherwise rigidly secured to a plate like bracket 64 mounted fast on the outer front wall section 4 of the cooling tank 2. The cup dispensers 59 and 68 are of the type commonly used in the dispensing of drinking cups and involve dispensing mechanisms, not shown, but contained within the dispensing heads 62. The dispensing mechanisms each include a reciprocatory member 65 yieldingly biased to a normal retracted position indicated in Figs. 1, 5, 6, and 8. The dispensing mechanisms are each responsive to dispense one cup for each advancing and retracting movement of its reciprocatory member 65. It will be seen, by reference to Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 9, that the dispensers 59 and 68 are located one adjacent either side of the drink-dispensing valve l2 and that the cups are adapted to be dispensed to a delivery station comprising a platform 66. The cups, indicated by A, are of the disposable waterproof paper variety and are guided in their movements from the dispensers 59 or 60 to the delivery platform 66 by funnellike guiding means 61. The guiding means 61 is provided with an opening 68 in the front wall thereof which is aligned with a delivery opening 69 in the front wall of the dispenser housing I. The guiding means 6'! is supported by a rectangular frame Ill rigidly secured to the front wall of the housing I and to the lower edge portion of the bracket 64. A generally U-shaped extension bar H is mounted for lateral sliding movements on the bracket 64 by spaced guide members 12 and has one of its ends engageable with the reciprocatory member 65 of the cup dispenser 59. The opposite outturned end of the extension bar "H lies adjacent to and in the plane of the outer surface of the reciprocatory member 65 of the dispenser 68, see particularly Figs. 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9, when both members 65 are in their normal retracted positions. Apair of rocker arms 13 and 14 are mounted for arcuate reciprocatory movements on a horizontally disposed pivot pin 15 extending laterally outwardly from the mounting bracket 64. Each of the rocker arms 13 and 74 is provided with a generally U-shaped stop member 16 welded or otherwise rigidly secured thereto. The free ends of the stop members 16 are adapted to engage an adjacent end portion of the cup dispenser supporting shelf 63 whereby to limit movements of the rocker arms 13 and 14 in one direction. As shown, the rocker arm 73 engages. the outer end of the extension bar H, whereas the rocker arm 14 has abutting engagement with the reciprocatory member 65 of the dispenser 68. Each of the rocker arms 13 and 14 are provided at their outer free ends with laterally projecting portions 11.

An electricmotor 18 is mounted on the bracket 64 and drives a rotary shaft 19 at a relatively slow speed through a conventional gear train, not shown, but contained within a gear housing 88. Mounted fast on the shaft 19 for rotation therewith is a cam 88 provided adjacent a peripheral portion thereof with a shaft 82 extending in spaced parallel relation to the motor output shaft 19. A sleeve 83 is journaled for rotation on the therefrom a pair of integrally formed diametrically opposed planetary pusher fingers 84 and 85. The pusher fingers 84 and 85 lie in parallel planes spaced longitudinally with respect to the shafts l9 and 82. With reference particularly to Figs. 14 and 15, it will be seen that the shaft 82 is provided with an axially extending groove or channel 86 and a transverse aperture 81 adjacent its outer end. A resilient spring member 88 lies within the channel 86 and has a laterally projecting end portion 89 projecting outwardly through the aperture 81 in the shaft 82 to limit outward axial movements of the sleeve 83 thereon. The spring member 88 is formed to bear against the interior wall of the sleeve 83 whereby to retard or prevent free rotary movement of the sleeve 83 and fingers 84 and 85 about the axis of the shaft 82. By reference to Fig. 2, it will be seen. that the planetary pusher finger 84 travels in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of the rocker arm 73 and that the projected end 11 of the rocker arm 13 normally lies in the field of movement of said pusher finger 84. The rocker arm 14 and pusher finger 85 have a similar relationship, the projected end 1'! of the pusher finger 14 lying in the field of planetary movement of the pusher finger 85. The radially outer ends of the pusher fingers 84 and 85 are notched, as indicated at 98, the projected ends 11 of the rocker arms 13 and 14 being respectively receivable therein.

Referring particularly to Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive, it will be seen that rotation of the motor shaft 19 in a counterclockwise direction causes the projected end ll of the rocker arm 14 to be engaged in the notch 90 of the pusher finger 85. As indicated in Fig. '7, further rotary movement of the shaft I9 causes the pusher finger 85 to move the rocker arm 14 and reciprocatory member 65 of the dispenser 60 in a direction from the left to the right, whereby to dispense a single cup A to the delivery platform 66. Engagement of the projected end 11 of the rocker arm 14 in the notch 98 of the pusher finger 85 causes a rotary movement in a clockwise direction of the sleeve 83 about the axis of the shaft 82, whereby to permit the pusher finger 85 to be disengaged from the projected end ll of the rocker arm 14. Release of the projected end 11 from the notch 90 permits the spring-biased reciprocatory member 65 of the dispenser 68 to move the rocker arm 14 back to its normal position of Fig. 5, where it is maintained by engagement of the U-shaped member 16 thereof with the supporting shelf 63. With reference to Fig. 8, it will be seen that further rotary movement of the cam 8| moves the pusher finger 85 into engagement of its extreme outer end with the intermediate portion of the rocker arm 14. This engagement causes the pusher fingers and the sleeve 83 to move further in a clockwise direction with respect to Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive. The total amount of clockwise movement imparted to the pusher finger 85 by the projected end 11 and the intermediate portion of the rocker arm 14 is equal to degrees or a one-half revolution of the sleeve 83 about the shaft 82. Thus, as the cam 8| rotates about the axis of theshaft 19, the pusher finger 84 is brought into operative engagement with the projected end 11 of the rocker arm 13 whereby to produce a cycle of reciprocating movement to the element 65 of the cup dispenser 59 and discharge a cup therefrom. The rocker arm 13 and pusher finger 84 cooperate in the same manshaft 82 and has projecting laterally outwardly 75 81 asthe pusher finger, 85 and rocker arm 14,

chemise above described, to rotate the sleeve 03 upon the shaft '82 whereby to again position the pusher finger 85 for engagement with the projected end TI of the rocker arm I4. It should be noted that a single cup-dispensing operation involves a single complete rotation of the motor shaft I9 and that the motor I8 is deenerg'ized between perieds of operation by control apparatus hereinafter to be described. 7 p

The cam 8| engages a cam fol-lower in the nature of a roller 9I journaled to the intermediate portion of a rocker arm 92 which has its upper end formed in an inverted U shape and journalled on a stud or bolt 93 projecting laterally outwardly from the mounting bracket 94. A second rocker arm 94 is loosely pivotally mounted at its upper end to the stud 93 and is normally disposed in side by side relation with the rocker arm. 92. A rigid link 95 connects the intermediate portion of the rocker arm 94with the free end of the valve-operating lever I5. It will be seen particularly by reference to Fig. 10 that the lower end portion of the rocker arm 94 is laterally offset from the upper journalled end portion thereof and is provided with an electromagnet 99 secured thereto by a machine screw or the like 97. The core or pole piece 90 of the magnet 96 is provided with a head 99 which becomes magnetically attached to the lower end portion of the rocker arm 92 when the magnet 99 is energized, whereby common arcuate reciprocating movements are imparted to the rocker arms 92 and 94 upon rotation of the cam 8|. A torsion spring I biases the reciprocatory arms 92 and 94 in the direction of the cam 8| and maintains contact between said cam BI andthe roller 9I. It should also be noted that the valve spring i4 exerts; yielding bias upon the rocker arm 94 through the valve lever I and the rigid link 94 in a direction to close the valve I2 independently of the torsion spring I00. The extreme lower end portion of the rocker arm 92 is formed to project laterally outwardly in the direction of the rocker arm 94 and terminates in a laterally outwardly opening notch IOI formed by an abutment I02 at one side thereof, and a cam surface I03 at the other side thereof. The cam surface E93 cooperates with a second cam surface I94 to provide a latch detent for cooperation with a latch dog element I05 which is shown as being a reduced longitudinally extended lower end portion of the rocker arm 94. It should be noted that when the electromagnet or latch actuator 90 is energized, the latch dog element I05 will be effectively locked in the notch I9I for common reciprocatory movement of the arms 92 and 9 9; However, if the electromagnet is deenergized, the latch dog element I05 will move easily over the cam surfaces I93 and I04 so that the rocker arm 94 operates independently of the rocker arm 92. In other words, during rotation of the cam 8|, failure to energize the magnetic latch actuator 90'wil1 result in arcuate reciprocatory movement only of the rocker arm 92; bias of the valve spring I4 beingsufiicient to cause the latch dog element tee to be cammed out of the notch IOI, resulting in failure of the valve I2 to open. The electromagnetic latch actuator 96 and the cooperating latch elements IOI and I95 provide a safety mechanism for the V valve I2 during dispensing of the drink liquid from the tank 2, to wit: failure of electric power supply to the machine for any reason will cause the electromagnet96 to" be deenergized and per .mit the valve spring I4 to close" the valve I2,

8 thus preventing a continuous discharge of the drink liquid from the tank. r v A single drink-dispensing operation requires one complete revolution of the shaft 19 in the same manner as the cup-dispensing operation above described. The timing of the drink-dispensing operation with r pect to the cup-dispensing operatie'n is determined by th shape of the cam BI and the location of the planetary pusher fingers 84 and 85 with respect thereto. By reference to Fig. 7, it will be seen that one of the cup dispensers is caused to dispense the cup before any appreciable reciprocating movement is imparted to the rocker arms 92 and 94. Retary' movement of the cam BI is sufficiently slow to permit the dispensed cup A to reach the receiving platform 00 before drink liduid is discharged from the valve I2. 'Ih"e amount of drink liquid dispensed is determined bythe shape of the cam BI and the rotary speed thereof, as well as by the size of the discharge opening of the valve I2. The electromagnetic latch actuator acts as a safety device to prevent unscrupulous persons from cheating the dispensing machine by cutting off the electrical power to the machine while the valve I2 is open, whereby to stop the motor I8 and cause the valve I2 to re main open. As above indicated, when the cam BI and parts moved thereby are in the valve open position of Fig. 9, shutting off of the power either accidentally or intentionally will deenergize the electromagnetic latch actuator 96 and permit the latch dog element I05 to be released from the notch IOI and the valve spring I4 will close the valve I2 and cause the arm 94 to swing out of alignment with the rocker arm 92 as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 9. Then, when the machine is again supplied with electric power, the drinkdispensing period will be completed with the valve I2 closed until the next cup and drinkdispensing cycle is initiated.

The agitator motor 56, in addition to being energized during the operation of the compressor I9, is adapted to be energized during the cup and drink-dispensing periods, together with operation of the motor I8 and the electromagnetic latch actuator 90. Operation of these elements during the dispensing periods is controlled by a number of relays and switches now to be described. A pair of leads I06 and I0! extend, the former from the power line 5| to the agitator motor 50 and the latter from the power line 49 to one side of a coin-operated momentary contact switch I98. The circuit is completed through the switch I08 by a lead I09 extending from the opposite side thereof to a lead I06 and from thence to the power line 5|. Interposed in the lead I09 is a dispensing relay H0 and a normally closed relay-operated switch III. Energization of the dispensing relay IIO closes a normally open dispensing relay-operated switch II2 to complete a circuit through the motor 18, said circuit including a lead II3 extending from the power lead I00 to the motor I8 and from thence to the switch II 2; Another lead I I4 extends from the switch II 2 to the power lead I0'I to complete the circuit. It will be noted that the electromagnetic clutch actuator 90 is connectedin parallel with the motor I8 in the lead II3 by leads II 5 and H6 so that the actuator 99 is energized simultaneously with the motor I8. A holding circuit for the dispensing relay comprises a portion of lead I09 extending from the powerlead I 00 and a lead I", the switch contacts H8 and H9 of a dispensing relay-operated 9' double-throw switch. I20, a lead I2| extending from the movable cont-act II9 to a fixed contact I22 of a double-throw switch I23 operated by the motor 18. A lead I24 extending from a movable contact I25 of the switch I23 completes the holding circuit to the power lead I01.

With reference to Figs. 2, 9, and 14, it will be seen that the switch I23 is provided with an arm I25 that is adapted to engage a cam element I21 rigidly mounted on the cam element 8| for common rotation therewith. During the rotation of the cams 8| and I21, the switch arm I25 is moved from the stationary switch contact I22 to an opposite stationary contact I28 in the switch I23 with a snap action, whereby to provide a holding circuit for the motor 18 and the latch actuator 93 independently of the relayoperated switch I so that when the contact is broken between the switch contacts I22 and I whereby to deenergize the dispensing relay II, operation of the motor 18 and relay 95 will be uninterrupted. This motor and actuator holding circuit comprises the portion of the lead I I3 connected to the power lead I03, a lead I29, switch contacts I28 and I25 and lead I24 extending to the power lead I01. The cycle of operation is completed when the cam I21 moves the arm I26 to open the switch contacts I25 and I28 and recloses the contacts I25 and I22.

To prevent repeated uninterrupted recycling of the cup and drink-dispensing mechanism in the event that the connection between the switch contacts I25 and I22 of the switch I23 should fail to break, I provide a switch I30 controlling a relay I3I. The switch I30 is provided with a switch arm I32 which is operated by a cam I33 rigidly mounted on the cam element 8| for common rotation therewith. The switch I30 and relay I3I are interposed in a circuit including a portion of lead I09, a short lead I34, a lead I35 connecting the relay coil I3I with the switch I30, a lead I35 extending from the switch I30 and a portion of lead I2 I, switch contacts I22 and I25,and lead I24. The cam portion I33 and switch arm I32 are so disposed that the switch I30 will be normally closed after the switch contacts I22 and I25 have been opened, so that the circuit through the relay I3! is not normally completed. However, in the event of sticking of the contacts I22 and I25, the relay I3I will be energized by the closing of switch I30 whereby to open the normally closed switch III and break the circuit of the dispensing relay III? to terminate the dispensing operation and render the machine inoperative until switch I23 has been repaired or replaced.

Visual means for indicating that the tank 29 is empty of drink liquid "X comprises a warning light I 31 mounted so as to be clearly visible to the operator and controlled by a float-operated switch I38. The lamp I31 is interposed in a lead I39 which extends from the lead I34 to a fixed switch contact I48 of the switch I38. A movable contact I4I of the switch I38 is connected to one end of a lead I42 which terminates in a fixed contact I43 of the dispensing relay-operated switch I20. Interposed in the lead I42 are movable and stationary normally closed switch contacts I44 and I45, respectively, of a double-throw switch I46 operated by the relay I3I. The air;

suit for the'lam'p'. I31 is completed through the (switch contacts I43 and I19, lead I2I, switch contacts I22 and I25, and lead I24 to the power lead I1. The lamp I31 will be caused to light whenever the relay I3 I is energized, so as to provide a warning that the machine is inoperative. To this end, I provide a lead I39 connecting the lead I39 with a fixed contact I of the doublethrow switch I45. A circuit is completed from the power lead I1 through the lead I24, switch contacts I25 and I22, lead I2I, switch contacts H9 and I43, lead I 42, switch contacts I44 and I45, leads I39 and I39, the interposed lamp I31 and portions of leads I34 and I09 to the power lead I35.

The float-operated switch I38 is provided with a fixed contact I41 which engages the movable contact MI as long as sufiicient drink liquid X remains in the tank 2, and is connected to a solenoid I48 by a lead I48. Another lead I50 extends from the solenoid. I48 to the lead I39 between the lamp I31 and the connection thereof to the leads I34 and I08. It will be seen that the solenoid I48 is energized during the time that the switch contacts I22 and I25 of the switch I23 are closed, the circuit being completed from the power lead I06 through portions of leads I09, I34 and I35, lead I58, the solenoid I48, lead I49, switch contacts I41 and I4I, lead I42, switch contacts I43 and H9, lead I2I, switch contacts I22 and I25, and lead I24 to the power lead I81. From the above, it will be seen that the solenoid 443 is energisedduring the idle period of the machine until the circuit therefor is broken by energization of the dispensing relay H9. The solenoid I48 operates a rocker arm I5I against bias of a spring I52 to move a movable coin chute portion I 53 by means of a link I54. The movable coin chute portion I53 receives coins from a coin chute I55 and, during energization of the solenoid I48, delivers said coins to a coin chute I56 which guides the coins to the coin-operated switch. I88, whereby to close'the same and initiate a cup and drink-dispensing period of the machine. Closing of the switch I08 energizes the dispensing relay IIO which results in breaking of the connection between the switch contacts H9 and I43 of the relay-operated switch I20 to break the circuit to the solenoid I48. The bias of the spring I52 moves the coin chute portion I53 toward alignment with a coin return chute I51, whereby additional coins mistakenly inserted in the coin chute I55 will be returned to the operator, It should be noted that coins inserted in the coin chute I55 during the time that the tank 2 is empty of the drink liquid X will be returned through the coin chute because of the deenergized condition of the solenoid I48 due to the broken connection between switch MI and I41 of the float-operated switch I38.

The agitator motor 56 is controlled during the dispensing periods of the machine by a relay I58 througha double-throw relayswitch I59. The switch I55 comprises a contact I60 movable between fixed contacts I BI and I62, the former of which is connectedby a lead I63 to the power lead I01 and the latter of which is connectedto the refrigerating control switch 39 by a lead I64. The switch arm I is connectedto the agitator motor 56 by a lead II55. The relay I58 is in a circuitcomprising a portion of lead I09 extending from the power lead I06, connected portions of leads I34, I39 and I50, a lead I66. extendingfrom the lead I50 to the relay I58, alead I61 extending from the relay I58 to the lead I I3, a; -portion of lead II3, switch II2 andlead II4 tothe power lead I01. During the idle period of the machine, the agitator 56 is interposed in a circuit comprising the lead I65, closed contacts I and IE2 of the switch I59, lead I 64, and the switch 39 whereby to be operated only during the operation of the compressor I9 and motor 21 therefor. However, during the dispensing operation of the machine, the agitator motor 56 is disconnected from the'circuit of the switch 39 by breaking of the connection between contacts I69 and IE2 of the switch I59. Energization of the relay I58 by closing of the switch I I2 causes the contacts I 68 and IGI to be connected, thereby closing the circuit from the power lead I05 through the agitator motor 58, the lead I65 and the lead 563 to the power lead IIi'I. Deenergization of the relay III] as hereinbefore described will allow the switch II2 to open to deenergize the relay I58 with a resultant deenergization of the agitator motor 56, unless the circuit to the motor 56 through the lead I64 and switch 39 has been completed in the meantime. It will be noted that the power leads I 06 and It! as well as the agitator motor lead I64 are provided with fuses, as indicated at F.

A cycle of dispensing operation is summarized as follows: A coin inserted through the coin chute I55 closes the coin switch I08 to energize the dispenser relay H0. When thus energized, the relay I Ill closes parallel circuits through the dispenser motor 78 and the electromagnetic latch actuator 96. Operation of the motor I8 rotates the cam 8i and moves one of the planetary pusher fingers 84 or 85 into engagement with its respective rocker arm I3 and I4, whereby to operate one of the cup-dispensers to deliver a cup A to the delivery platform 66. Simultaneous with the energization of the actuator 96 and the motor I8, the agitator relay I58 is energized to operate the agitator motor control switch IE9 to start the agitator motor 56. Continued rotation of the cam element 8| moves the reciprocatory members a2 and st and the rigid link 85 in a direction to open the valve I2 for the dispensation of the drink liquid X into the cup A. As the cam element 8| continues to rotate, the switch I23 is moved to close the holding circuit for the motor 'IB and latch actuator 96 and the reciprocatory members 92 and 94 and link 95 move in a reverse direction to close the valve I2. Upon completion of a single rotation of the cam element 8| about its axis, the valve I2 will be closed and the opposite pusher finger 84 or 85 will be moved to a position about its own axis whereby it will engage the other of the rocker arms I3 or M. At this time, the switch I23 is moved by the cam portion I21 to connect the contact I 25 and I22 whereby the circuit is in condition for another period of operation upon reclosing of the coin-operated switch I08.

My invention has been thoroughly tested and found to be adequate for the accomplishment of the objectives set forth, and while I have disclosed a commercial embodiment of my inproved dispensing device, it will be understood that the same is capable of various modifications without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a drink-vending machine, a supply reservoir, a normally-closed valve controlling discharge of liquid from said reservoir, valve-opcrating mechanism comprising an electric motorlvalve operating linkage interposed between the motor and valve for opening and closing the valve once for each operating period of the motor, said operating linkage comprising first and second reciprocatory members, operating connections between the first reciprocatory member and the motor imparting a definite cycle of advance and return movement thro gh a field of predetermined length for each cycle of operation of the motor, operating connections between the second reciprocatory member and valve, yielding means biasing the second reciprocatory member and valve to move in a valveclosed direction, an electromagnetically-closed self-releasing latch normally locking said reciprocatory members together for substantially common movements, means including a primary control switch for simultaneously energizing the valve-operating motor and the electromagnetically closed latch to initiate drink-dispensing periods, and switch means under control of said valve-operating motor for simultaneously deenergizing the motor and electromagneticallyclosed latch to terminate drink-dispensing periods, whereby in the event of deenergization of the valve-operating motor during a drink-dispensing period, the said latch means will be released allowing the second reciprocatory member and valve to move to closed positions under the influence of said yielding means and independ ently of the motor and first reciprocatory memher.

2. In a drink-vending machine, a supply reservoir, a normally closed valve controlling discharge of liquid from said reservoir, valve-operating mechanism comprising an electric motor, valve-operating linkage interposed between the motor and valve for opening and closing the valve once for each operating period of the motor, said operating linkage comprising first and second reciprocatory members, operating connec tions between the first reciprocatory member and the motor imparting a definite cycle of advance and return movement through a field of predetermined length for each cycle of operation of the motor, operating connections between the second reciprocatory member and valve, yieldin means biasing the secon reciprocatory memher and valve to move in a valve-closed direction, a latch normally lockin said reciprocatory members together for substantially common movements, said latch comprising separable latch elements yieldingly biased toward a latch-released position, an electromagnetic latch actuator for setting said latch, means including a primary control switch for simultaneously energizing the valve-operating motor and the latch actuator to initiate drink-dispensing periods, and switch means controlled by said valve-operating motor for simultaneously deenergizing a motor and latch actuator to terminate drink-dispensing periods, whereby in the event of deenergization of the valve-operating motor during a drink-dispensing period,'said latch means will be released allowing the second reciprocatory member and valve to move to closed positions under the influence of said yielding means and independently of the motor and first reciprocatory member.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 in which said primary control switch is coin=operated.

4. In a drinl -vending machine, a supply reservoir, a normally closed valve controlling discharge of liquid from said reservoir, valve-operatingmechanism comprising an electric motor, valve-operating linkage intermediate the motor nd -.va1ve f r op g an 'closing the valve once for each period of operation of th motor, said operating linkage comprising a motor-driven member and a valve-operating member, said m mbe s being pivotally mounted on a ommon axis for arouate reciprocatory movements in parallel planes, yielding means biasing the valveoperating member in a valve-closing direction, and an electromagnetically closed self-releasing latch normally locking said reciprocatory members together for substantially common reciprocatory movements, means including a switch for energizing the motor and electromagnetic latch to initiate drink-dispensing periods, and motor-controlled switch means for deenergizing the motor and electromagnetic latch to terminate the drink-dispensing periods.

ERNEST J. ST. LAURENCE.

14 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,237,411 Carlson June 18, 1938 2,278,226 Taylor Mar, 31. 1942 2,353,080 Richmond July 4, 1944 2,359,791 Ralston Oct. 10, 1944 2,370,276 Warren Feb. 27, 1945 2,376,403 Thompson et al. May 22, 1945 2,426,707 Polsen et al Sept. 2, 1947 

